The value of eSports in education

Esports have exploded over the last few years, to the point that, in 2017, the second most watched sporting event in the US, after the Superbowl, was an eSport competition. Because of this exponential growth in popularity, teachers should consider this phenomenon and the impact it’s going to have on next generations. According to a survey made by http://eu-acerforeducation.acer.com/, eSports are expected to be a positive, powerful boost to the education system.

In the United States, about 480 colleges all over the country have included eSports in their programs, whilst nearly every university has a gaming club. Moreover, just like traditional athletes, brilliant videogame players in high schools are given the possibility to receive substantial scholarships to continue their studies. The reason behind this trend is the proven impact that high videogaming skills have on STEM subjects, i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Esports are not a threat to attention and performance, but an opportunity to practice critical and analytical thinking. Moreover, children will experience video gaming in a protected and guided environment, facilitating and encouraging a conscious approach to this world that would be more difficult and dangerous if they were left alone.

To conclude, it has already been proven a strong connection between eSports and STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); if competitive video gaming can enhance the development of technological skills, every mean useful to make STEM subjects attractive to new generations turns out to be a crucial tool in the hands of educators to ensure children a bright future.